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The Zelda Project brings Link to life in an extraordinary way

Hey -- listen! There's being a fan of the Zelda series and then there's being in the Zelda Project: a collective of cosplayers who are bringing Link to life in photos from the greatest film never made. They're working on changing that, though.

Based in Los Angeles, the collective was born out of the cosplay passions of Sarah Quillian, who, with a group of friends, sought to turn their hobby into something more. "From the cosplay, we had always wanted to make a big group together -- to do something epic," she said. "I wanted to form a group that I felt could bring Hyrule to life. From there, it started to evolve from a mere cosplay group to a semi-professional production."

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So far, the crew -- ranging from photographers and matte painters to costume designers, professional horseriders and make-up artists -- have completed two photo shoots: The Lost Woods and The Lon Lon Ranch, both from 1998's Ocarina Of Time.

Whilst both impressive, it is the latter's striking shot of Link (modelled uncannily by actor, Wes Johnson) looking out over Hyrule's scenic plains to Death Mountain that stands out as an example of how, with the right mix of talent, technology and funding, cosplay can become so much more than just dressing up. It can become art.

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Gallery: The Zelda Project brings Link to life in an extraordinary way

ByStephen Kelly

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The Lon Lon Ranch photo shoot took place over two days in Clovis, California, and involved an 800 kilometre round trip, Johnson being trained in horseriding for six months and a custom costume being made for Link's horse, Epona. The Death Mountain backdrop (which, fact fans, includes subtle nods to Zora's Falls and The Great Deku Tree), however, was composited and constructed using a combination of existing backgrounds and Photoshop elements by digital matte painter Mickael Forrett. "These iconic places in Hyrule are not only created with care," explained Sarah, "they are also painstakingly placed to make sure that the locations in the photos match what a believable Hyrule would look like, according to the map from the game. Zelda is all about hitting the bright colours and contrasts but working them in a way that they are not too cartoony."

The next stage of the project is an ambitious short film recreating the final battle of Ocarina Of Time -- one which, according to their website, will be led by "a professional cast, elaborately designed costumes based on the official artwork (toughened up for realism), special effects make-up/prosthetics, practical effects, practical stunts, and full visual effects CGI."

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All of which raises the question: where do they get the rupees from? "Our photo shoots are very expensive," Sarah says. "When you think about how much stuff costs, you think 'well this should only cost X, Y and Z' but it adds up so incredibly quickly. The photo shoots are self-funded with the help of donations. Truly, the individual donations to our Paypal from our website is what made the Lon Lon Ranch shoot happen. Without them, there wouldn't have been a shoot. The movie, however, must be funded with a donation drive. We are willing to accept sponsorship, however, we are wary of losing creative control of our fan vision. Therefore, we've determined that Kickstarting it will be our best bet."

One thing's for certain: if the film's as good as their photos, then we're surely in for a tour de triforce.